Posted by yxibow on October 23, 2009, at 0:33:58
In reply to How much Ativan?., posted by MAxime on October 20, 2009, at 22:30:54
> So when I see my pdoc on Friday I am going to ask for Ativan. I really hate taking a benzo, but this lack of sleep is getting dangerous. So what is the usual dosage of Ativan for sleep? 1 mg? More?
>
> Thanks in advance.I've been there, and I'm still there with a sleep disorder, its just at this point the Seroquel covers things, but not always.
Ativan is a quick fix for sleep -- in time, months to years, you'll habituate, and I don't really recommend short term benzodiazepines for continuous use as they won't be around when you are in real need of anxiety help (this includes Xanax, which is even shorter acting).
There are benzodiazepines that are more suited for sleep, Restoril, Dalamane (very strong).
But not to be disparaging, from some of your postings in the past, and I won't bring up why, I would be very concerned if you were taking barbiturates.
Lack of sleep by itself is not dangerous. By this I am not saying that one should get out on the highway or drive a commercial vehicle without sleep.But sleep is self-correcting. It is not a pleasant experience to go through sleep deprivation, but at all costs avoid naps, or any stimulant, caffeine or otherwise. Its just a matter of when the clock can correct itself.
And your medication may be playing a fair role in this too.
Good sleep hygiene also includes not working on the computer, TV, stimulating activity before bedtime. I know, a lot of us get into this habit, I could speak myself.
Getting enrolled into a sleep study if your insurance can possibly provide for it would be very revealing.Sleep and depression (and other psychiatric disorders) have their links. There can be other reasons.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that do, go get some short term relief, but ask your psychiatrist and/or your GP for a longer term referral to a sleep expert if possible.
Something like Lunesta 3mg would be a better choice, but if you want to use Ativan, probably 1mg at bedtime.
-- tidings.
poster:yxibow
thread:921449
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091021/msgs/922069.html